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First-time film actress Susan Berman stars in Smithereens as Wren, a New Jersey ex-pat who is trying to blag her way into a rock-and-roll lifestyle. It’s never quite clear what Wren’s artistry encompasses, and likely she hasn’t figured it out yet either, but she plasters photocopies of her face around the city and pretty much barrels through anyone who gets in front of her. Forever the opportunist, she drags along fresh Montana-transplant Paul (Brad Rinn) to her night on the town when it’s clear he’ll pay the bills, but then drops him for Eric, a singer played by real life punk icon Richard Hell, as soon as he shows a passing interest and potentially something to gain. Wren spends the rest of Smithereens bouncing between the two, with only Paul being smart enough to know he’s being used, and the girl too blind to see that Eric will never take her to Los Angeles and let her manage his band.

BD50, DVD9 | 1080p AVC, NTSC | 01:33:31 | 45.1 Gb + 7.34 Gb
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Director: Susan Seidelman
Cast: Susan Berman, Brad Rijn, Richard Hell
Country: USA
Genre: Drama, Music

Extras:

• Commentary - in this archival audio commentary, Susan Seidelman explains in great detail how the idea for Smithereens emerged while she was still living the East Village, how and where different parts of the film were shot (apparently over three different periods), how Richard Hell essentially played different variations of himself, how the 16mm version was funded and the additional 35mm version edited with additional music (Jonathan Demme's role in introducing The Feelies to her), the film's screening at the Cannes Film Festival, etc. The commentary, which is moderated by David Gregory, was recorded for Blue Underground in 2004 and initially appeared on the label's DVD release of the film.

• Susan Seidelman and Susan Berman - in this new video program, director Susan Seidelman explains how her fascination with cinema began and discusses the tremendous impact the work of Lina Wertmuller (The Seduction of Mimi, Seven Beauties) had on her, her appreciation for the cinematic style promoted by the French New Wave directors and Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and the genesis of Smithereens and the cultural scene in New York City at the time. Actress Susan Berman also addresses the sense of freedom that defined the city at the time and the personality of the characters from the film. The program was created exclusively for Criterion in 2018. In English, not subtitled. (2 min, 1080p).

• And You Act Like One Too (1976) - presented here is a short film that Susan Seidelman directed while she was a film student at New York University. The short can be viewed with a new video introduction by the director. In English, not subtitled. B&W. (26 min, 1080p).

• Yours Truly, Andrea G. Stern (1979) - presented here is a short film that Susan Seidelman directed while she was a film student at New York University. The short can be viewed with a new video introduction by the director. In English, not subtitled. Color. (38 min, 1080p).